Hi everyone

Zach has been OFF zantac..off ALL reflux meds for 2 weeks
His behavior has been the pitts...that started maybe a week off meds
BUT seasonal allergies are horrible..he was off allergy meds for allergy testing but has been back on for one week with NO improvement

I'm so torn because the good news is that he is eating really well, NO signs at all of burping, hiccups, gulping, gagging, no funky smells etc etc

BUT his mood has been cruddy (which we had lots of bad days on meds as well)
The only other thing is that he's been getting up early/tired
No complaints at school

When he was having one of his bad moments I asked him to PLEASE tell me what was wrong and the ONLY thing he ever says is that his eyes hurt
He's a very vocal kid and has always been ahead of the curve as far as speech
He's never once said my stomach, mouth hurt...I feel like I'm going to throw up (be sick)
NOTHING....if reflux was part of the problem here at 4.5yrs wouldn't he be able to tell me something

He hasn't been tested by a GI since he was a baby
Part of me would feel awful to put him through testing just to hear that he's fine (all clear and that's not our problem)
Plus if I prance him in to a GI's office....weighing 37ish pounds, and telling the Gi what I've told you as far as lack of symptoms..I don't know if that makes any sense
Other part of me, would be devastated (but we need to know) that he has been in reflux pain and needs stronger meds

Could his silent reflux be so silent that i don't SEE any signs at this age?
Never a dull moment, huh?

You know, if he's telling you his eyes hurt, I'm thinking it's either allergies or the poor kid has a BAD headache (ever had a migraine in which your eyes really did hurt/become ultra-sensitive?)

I would *think* he'd be able to tell you about any GI symptoms..and I'm with you. If you go waltzing in with him at a respectable weight and no symptoms, you might not be taken seriously (unless you have a GI you know and trust who would understand why you're doing this, KWIM?)

*Could* you try giving him a little Tylenol when you give his allergy meds? If that seems to help, you may be on to something...:sad5:

Kim, what about a ped opthalmologist, just to check it out...he's been complaining of his eyes for a long time now. :hug: Maybe they could check it out and see what's going on? Like Mary said, it sounds like it could BE headaches making his eyes hurt...I don't know...I wish I had some answers for you. :hug:

Thanks guys for your insight :)
I have to call his ped soon anyway to discuss the allergy results (if I ever get them)
I guess I'll mention the eye thing as well..can't hurt
I'm wondering if it could be related to seasonal allergies and/or food allergies
I've read/heard of people with food allergies having symptoms of eye discomfort after eating no/no foods (eyes burning, swelling etc)
I also did some research on FI and eye pain was listed as a symptom..which blew me back because I have NO clue how the 2 are connected

FYI...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fructose_malabsorption

Kim, I am not sure if it is reflux related, I think time will tell though, I know when we took Parker off his meds at first it was oh he is OK look at him, he has one symptom then they just kept adding up.

I wouldnt look at the lack of his complaining as a symptom. For one he may have had tummy pain all his life and it may not be any different now. Also in older kids the signs are not so obvious all the time. I have added the symptoms of the older kid in below. I know with Parker when he is unwell (including reflux) then he is bad behaved.

I would keep a tight watch on his sleep, cause this is where I generally first notice it.

Symptoms for 2-5 year olds
Queasiness
Throwing up
A hoarse or scratchy voice
Complaining of tummy aches
Burping, regurgitation and trouble swallowing
Choking
Weight loss or food refusal
Coughing
Chest Pain

Good luck :hug:

Thanks Rachel!!!

So far he is getting up early
His voice was hoarse and he was coughing a little at night, but that's stopped since we put him back on allergy meds

Ugh..I wish this was more clear!

Thanks again